Opinions and or thoughts - Page 3

Its hard on any animal to start with, but at six months the dog is learning by leaps and bounds and its like pulling the rug right out from under it.   Its like a cold hard slap in the face that you never saw coming and can't understand where or why it happened.   A small pup of 8 to 10 weeks can make the adjustment and go on.    An adult understands whats happening.
But at six months it turns their world upside down and sets them back.   Then it takes a lot of time and effort by the new owners to heal the wounds.
Also you have no way of knowing how the animal was treated during shipping by loaders and workers who handle the crates.    
I just don't like shipping animals this way.

Thank you Two moons. I sent the owner some of the replies here and she was happy to hear that she is not the only one that is or has gone though this. Her next questions was HOW to FIX this?

This is from a email she wrote me

We’ve done everything we can think of to make this transition easier for him but it just doesn’t seem to be working.  We basically have to keep him on leash in the house so that he doesn’t just go lie down in the corner of the kitchen (the furthest point from anyone) and not budge during the day.  He would hide in his crate if we didn’t keep that closed all the time.  We’ve tried feeding him by hand, feeding him next to us and giving him pieces of hotdog when he shows any sign of curiosity but it just doesn’t seem to work.  For one, he just isn’t interested in eating much.  We’ve even tried the squeaky toy method you suggested.  He will perk up when he hears it but as soon as you move in the slightest bit his ears will go back and he will duck down and not move.  Again this is a little less pronounced with me than with Scott.  We speak to him in calm voices trying not to baby him.  He seems to be ok with that but will not come closer on his own – except on the very rare occasion when he will briefly come close enough to smell a sock or whatever happens to be the thing farthest away from you and then back off again.  This is the sort of behavior we have tried to reward with hotdogs (the sniffing, not the backing away) and with praise.

Outside his behavior is much the same.  He doesn’t recall on or off leash, will not return a toy that is thrown and shows little, if any, interest in playing at all.  He will generally trot as far away as he can on the leash and either stands watching you or sits until you move.  At which point he will try to move that little bit further from you.

 Any thoughts ?

EK

(PS THANK YOU everyone who is repling this is a great help and why I love coming here!) 

Thats so sad,  I can see this in my mind and feel it in my bones.
It will take time and maybe some of what the dog experienced will be with him forever.

First use socks , t- shirts, pants that you have worn with your scent for bedding for a time.  In his safe places he must know your scent is part of that safety.    No pressure, give it time and almost ignore the dog and let him get used to everything at his own pace.  You might just spend time beside him in his place with no contact or gesture other than sharing the space.
Later,
Gentle grooming with your hands or even a warm wash rag for his eyes and nose and belly will build trust but don't try to roll him over or put him in an uncomfortable position he doesn't feel safe in.   Give him a private place to eat and drink and only give treats as a reward when you see him improving.  Like learning to come to you on his own. 
Once he starts to accept you spend as much time with him as you can.  He's starting from scratch bonding with you.
He can sense what your feeling always keep that in mind.  A tone or a look says volumes, don't raise your voice.
Then you will need to start working him towards excepting his new world.  Place his crate in different locations, take him for walks but only on your property first, let him know the boundaries of your home first.   Then go out to new places.
Later you will need to work on socializing, keeping his attention, then basic obedience.   But first you have to win him over.
Its just gonna take time and patience, and a lot of love.   


 

I agree with Two Moons..   you need to be there for him.. but don't get into his "space".. when he is ready.. I think he will come to you.     Sit on the floor  when you are watching TV..   try not to bend over him...    

I had to place a 7 month old male, 1/2 Czech/DDR lines, awesome pup, loved him dearly, & he loved us...'bout broke my heart to do it, he was well started when he left us, & we drove him to meet his new person; & he still lost even his housetraining for a few weeks. I'll never forget the look in his eyes when his new owner picked him up, he knew full well what was happening, and, although he was quiet & cooperative, the look in his eyes was, "WHY?" I still cry to think of it. They are like teen-agers, just becoming full of themselves & sure of their world, & then the earth beneath their feet shifts. This pup has a great owner, the best; he is loved & has bonded with his owner, who was very patient with him, but it's just something I won't do again. That was so difficult. I just Thank God that we connected with the gentleman who has him. He worked very hard to make sure this pup adjusted, & I must give him all the credit in the world for his efforts! jackie harris 

The dog will come around just needs time and tell the people to not be pushy or nervous as these dogs can feel, smell sense nervousness unsureness etc. I hate to say this but this dog has lost its trust in people it does not know why it had to leave its people and routine. I would not feed her unless she started to eat out of my hand. The new owners need to be upbeat and loving . Get on the floor with the dog and not stare etc. Take it places and be happy along with her in the car to get McDonalds etc,.I have two rescues one DDR/ Czech one all Czech that have been kennel dogs and  beaten and ecollared it is obvious. The Czech dog has really come around in 4 months the DDR is making slow steady progress  both are housebroken the Czech bitch may be close to a title soon!But I have had these dogs all my life and am positive and sure of myself with them.